Rasheed Cottonham pleaded guilty March 5 to a charge of 2nd Degree Assault for driving while intoxicated resulting in injury, a Class-C felony.
On New Years Day, 2015, Mr Cottonham, 25, was driving on US-169 highway just south of St Joseph, when his vehicle left the highway, overturned, and crashed through a fence. The accident killed his passenger, Aaron Thomas of Kansas City.
On Thursday, Buchanan County Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced Cottonham to four years in prison.
This is a big weekend in Sedalia. The city is hosting a celebration to dedicate what will be a national landmark to welcome visitors to the Missouri State Fair.
Dale Yelton is chairman of the Trails End Committee, part of what he calls a totally grassroots privately-funded project.
Organizers hope for a turnout of 20,000. Those who do come will have lots to do.
Saturday morning the focus will be the largest all-equestrian parade in Missouri history.
The center of attention will be the Trails End Plaza on the northeast corner of the State Fairgrounds.
Yelton says they hope to make it an annual event.
CLICK HERE to view the entire list of events.
So if you like food, horses, history, entertainment, chuck wagon races, rendezvous encampments, western art shows, country fiddlers, cowboy poetry, square dancing, and trail rides, you might want to check out Sedalia this weekend.
Bonnie L. Parks
1955-2015
Bonnie L. Parks, 59, St. Joseph, Missouri died Saturday, April 18, 2015 at her home.
She was born December 12, 1955 to Leonard and Rowena (Russell) Parks in Nampa, Idaho.
She worked as a nannie on the East Coast before moving to St. Joseph fifteen years ago.
Bonnie made beautiful cross stitches and enjoyed sewing and reading. She also loved flowers and birds.
Miss Parks attended the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Days Saints.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and nephew, Adam Spaeth.
Survivors include her siblings, Marie Hull, Lloyd Parks, Cathrin Hales (Jay), Glenn Parks, Ramona Larsen (Galen), Sharon Spaeth (Rick), Paul Parks (Jerilyn) and Rowena Parks; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside Farewell Services and Interment 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Memorial Park Cemetery. The procession will leave from Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Humanitarian Aid at The Church of Jesus Christ of the Later Days Saints, Care of Bishop Robert Zink, 7 North Carriage Drive, St. Joseph, Missouri 64506. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Eva Mae Johnson Burke
1916-2015
Eva Mae Johnson Burke, 98, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, April 16, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born September 28, 1916 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eva Mae graduated from Benton High School in 1935. She was a homemaker and had previously worked at Quaker Oats. She was a member of Brookdale Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, attended Circle Meetings and participated in Bible Study classes. Eva Mae enjoyed playing piano, knitting, garage sale shopping and dancing with Marvin, but above all, she cherished spending time with her family.
Mrs. Burke was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Martha (Conley) Johnson; her husband of 68 years and her childhood sweetheart, Marvin; six sisters; and grandchild, Christopher Steele.
Survivors include three daughters, Patricia G. Steele (Fred), Raytown, Missouri, Connie Burke Hager, St. Joseph, Missouri and Mary Beth Mitchell (Bill), Huntsville, Alabama; six grandchildren, Jeffrey Steele, Shelly Scott (Joey), Jennifer Davin (Doug), Bill Mitchell (Joleen), Heather Rivera (Matthew) and Jonah Mitchell (Leslie); fifteen great-grandchildren, Nicole Sutton (Cody), Tyson Martin, Evan and Hannah Steele, Kyle and Kristen Davin, Madison Clark, Emma, Parker, Gabriel and Riley Mitchell, Cody and Christian Hecker, Dakotah Shelton and Dalton Rivera; one great-great-granddaughter, EmmaJo Sutton; and several nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 25, Brookdale Presbyterian Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Mrs. Burke will be removed from Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory to arrive at the church one hour prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Brookdale Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Charlotte S. Graves
1943-2015
Charlotte S. Graves, 71, Faucett, Missouri passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at her residence.
She was born November 27, 1943 to Frank and Iva Miller in Spokane, Washington.
Charlotte married Wayne L. Graves on August 24, 1963.
She belonged to Community of Christ Church and the Cactus Society of Kansas City.
Charlotte retired from Silgan Containers after 29 years in 2006.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Cecil and Kenny Miller and an infant brother; and sister, Maxine Brown.
Survivors include husband; daughter, Cindy Graves (fianc?, Tommy Wharton), Gower, Missouri; son, Brian Graves (Dana), Savannah, Missouri; grandchildren, Amanda, Chelsie, Colton, Lane, Maddelyn, Brookelyn Graves and Daniel, Ashley, and Haylea Walker; sister, Lois Imlay (Charles); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside Farewell Services & Interment were held Monday, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial gifts to ALS Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Dorothy Irene Sloan
1913-2015
Dorothy Irene Sloan, 101, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, April 19, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born June 2, 1913 in Gower, Missouri.
Dorothy married Charles D. ?Don? Sloan in 1942. He preceded her in death in 1981.
She was a prim and proper lady. Dorothy attended Rushville Christian Church. She enjoyed shopping and loved dogs, especially her bulldog, Rocky.
Mrs. Sloan was also preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae (Sparks) Wigington; brother, Albert Wigington; and sister, Mildred Louise Hickman.
Survivors include close friends, Mary Cotton and David and Jan McClurg and family.
Graveside Farewell Services & Interment 10:00 A.M. Friday, Ashland Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Rushville Christian Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Dennis D. Shade
1961-2015
Dennis D. Shade, 54, Dearborn, Missouri passed away Monday, April 20, 2015 at his home.
He was born January 22, 1961.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife.
Survivors include daughter, Lenora Long; granddaughters, Cheyenne Hoyt (Florencio) and Manuela Villegas (Jose); and four great-grandchildren.
Farewell Services under the direction of Meirehoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Eleanor Mae (Culp) Doughty
1910-2015
Eleanor Mae (Culp) Doughty, 105, Tarkio, Missouri died Friday, April 17, 2015 at her home.
She was born January 29, 1910 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gavin Lloyd Doughty; and parents.
Survivors include her son, Gavin Doughty and daughter, Mervyn Fisher.
Mrs. Doughty was a member of the Missouri Cremation Service. Online guestbook and obituary at www.missouricremation.com.
Helen Beery Underwood 1923-2015
Helen Beery Underwood, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 27, 2015 at Diversicare, her home for over eight years.
She was born April 21, 1923 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Helen married Gene Underwood on October 4, 1946.
She attended Grace Evangelical Church. Helen loved to travel and drink hot tea with many friends. She served the St. Joseph School District for over 20 years as secretary to the Board and Superintendent.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bessie (Stakey) Beery; husband; sons, Charles Wayne and Roger Underwood.
Survivors include: special friends, Roger and Sherri Wittler; grandsons, Gene and Alex; granddaughter, Cynthia; former daughter-in-law, Nancy Brooks, all of Columbia, Missouri; guardian, Don Weston; and many other friends and colleagues.
Celebration of her life took place Tuesday, April 21, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggested memorial gifts to St. Joseph School District Foundation and Aseracare Hospice Foundation. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Thomas Henry Gorry, PhD
1935-2015
Thomas Henry Gorry, 79, Maryville, Missouri, formerly of Due West, South Carolina, died Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at his daughter’s home in Maryville.
Thomas (Tom) was born September 9, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York to Thomas Henry Gorry and Christine (Steel) Gorry. He and Odette Nahas Gorry were married in Brooklyn, NY January 22, 1961.
Tom served his country with the National Guard Reserves in Fort Dix, NJ. After earning his B.S. from City College of New York, he continued his education at Purdue University, earning his PhD. From there, he became a professor of psychology at Northern Illinois University. His academic work took him all over the world. Over the course of a long career, he was a professor at the American University of Beirut, the College of the South, and ultimately Erskine College in Due West, SC. Due West became his home. Throughout his travels, he forged great friendships and left lasting impacts on those around him.
Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Odette Gorry, his parents and his older sister, Thomasine Walton. Tom and Odette were married for nearly 40 years until they were parted by her untimely death in 1999. To his dying day and now in eternity, he loved only her.
Tom is survived by his two daughters Lisa Gorry DiStefano, M.D.,
Maryville, MO; Thomasine Gorry Shagena, M.D., Philadelphia. Pennsylvania (best of friends and inseparable sisters) two sons-in-law: Thomas DiStefano, M.D. Maryville and Mark Shagena, Philadelphia; four grandchildren Thomas David and James Christopher DiStefano, Maryville and Elizabeth Odette and John Thomas Shagena, Philadelphia; and a sister Beverly Scollay of New Jersey.
Visitation for Tom will was held Friday, April 17, 2015 at Price Funeral Home, Maryville.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, April 18th, also at the funeral home.
Burial in Long Cane Cemetery, Abbeville, South Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders.
www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com
Mark Eric Baker
Baker 55, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday April 16, 2015 at his home. He was born October 23, 1959 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of Jean & Charles “Bud” Baker. He graduated from Benton High School 1977, then went to work for Guy’s Potato Chips for several years, and then he worked at Johnson Controls as a Welder. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and Mizzou Tigers. He loved to sing and dance. He was a member of Sons of the American Legion Squadron #287 of Savannah, participated in the Promise Keepers of America and was a member of Grace Evangelical Church. Mark was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by two daughter, Marinda Baker, and Hannah Baker, and a son, Ethan Baker all of Saint Joseph, MO, a brother, Mike (Carol) Baker of Savannah, MO, former wife and mother of the children, Brenda Howard of Springfield, MO, nephews, Adam and Travis Baker both of Kansas City, MO as well as several other nieces and nephews. The family will received friends from Monday at the Grace Evangelical, with a Celebration of life following. He has been cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com
Lou Ella Tyler
Lou Ella Tyler 91, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 in a Savannah, MO health care center. She was born February 9, 1924 in Weston, MO, daughter of Ida and Claude Kerns. She retired from Atchison Leather Products after 17 years of service, and she was also a Homemaker and a loving mother. She enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, who had many friends and will be missed by all who knew her. The family appreciates all the loving care provided by the Staff’s at Laverna Village and Asera Care Hospice for our mother. Lou Ella was a member of the Rushville Christian Church. Preceded her in death are; husband, Melvin Tyler, her parents, daughter, Judith Ann Tyler, two brothers, William and Ernest Kerns, five sisters, Grace Griffith, Ethel Griffith, Ruth Searcy, Mary Edna Griffith, and Katherine Searcy, a son in law, Charles Ross, and grandson, Patrick Jones. Survivors include, two sons, Melvin “Tim” (Robin) Tyler, Daniel “Bobby” Tyler of St. Joseph, MO, two daughters, Connie L. Ross of Saint Joseph, MO, and Claudia “Tootie” (Mike) Jones of Haysville, KS, 14 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and her cat, Socks.
Funeral services will were conducted at 10:30 am on Monday, April 20, 2015 at Rupp Funeral Home with Rev. Keith Hoover officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday April 26 at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Westlawn Cemetery DeKalb, Missouri. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Marie Elizabeth Hessler
Marie Elizabeth Hessler 58, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday April 16, 2015 at her home. She was born June 5, 1956 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Barbara & David Fattig. She graduated from Central High school, and worked at Citadel health care as a Nurse Aide. She enjoyed drawing pictures, working word search puzzles and playing board games. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Robert, Scott, Steven and Joey Fattig. Survivors include, husband, David W Hessler of the home, son, Dakota Hessler of the home, a brother, David Fattig, three sisters, Sandy (John) Woosley, Candy (Kelly) Hoffman, and April (Mark) Dodds, best friend, Penny Horning. The family will received friends Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, #7 North Carriage Drive (Northridge Place) St. Joseph, MO, with a memorial service following at the Church. She has been cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Marie Hessler memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com
If at first you don’t succeed, you may not the second time either.
A Kansas man was sentenced Wednesday for robbing a bank, for the second time.
US Attorney Barry Grissom says Mark Finnigin, 52, of Wichita, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.
In his plea, he admitted that on July 22, 2014, he robbed an Emprise Bank location in south Wichita. He entered the bank at about 9:40am and demanded a clerk give him $10,000. The clerk put some cash on the counter. Finnigin took the money and fled before the clerk could finish.
A surveillance camera at a nearby store recorded him getting in a minivan.
Officials point out that this is not the first time Mr Finnigin has been caught robbing this particular bank. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to robbing the same bank. He was sentenced to 51 months in that case.
Two Iowa men were sentenced in federal court Wednesday for the armed robbery of a Burlington Junction, Mo., bank.
Donald D. Kestner, Jr., 27, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and Travis Joe Davis, 28, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays. Kestner was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison without parole. Davis was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
Kestner pleaded guilty on Oct. 28, 2014, to one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Davis pleaded guilty on Oct. 30, 2014, to one count of bank robbery. Co-defendant Torrence Joseph O’Neill, also known as “Torry,” 27, of Pleasant, Iowa, pleaded guilty to bank robbery on Oct. 21, 2014, and awaits sentencing.
Kestner, Davis and O’Neill stole $12,282 from Citizens Bank and Trust, 102 W. Main St., Burlington Junction, Mo., on March 21, 2014. Kestner and Davis entered the bank about about 11:10 a.m. while O’Neill waited in their vehicle, a 1996 Ford Explorer, parked in an alley next to the bank.
Upon entering the bank, Kestner and Davis began yelling and brandishing weapons. Kestner brandished a silver semi-automatic pistol and Davis was armed with what appeared to be a black Uzi, but was later determined to be an air pistol. Davis remained in the lobby, while Kestner went behind the teller stations with the three bank employees. Kestner grabbed money from teller drawers. During the robbery, Kestner pointed his gun directly at a teller.
Kestner, Davis and O’Neill were arrested shortly after the robbery occurred. A Maryville Department of Public Safety officer, riding in an airplane being piloted by a citizen, spotted the three men walking and they were arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The vehicle used in the bank robbery was discovered hidden among some trees. The loot was found in one of those trees.
A group of scholars and journalists entered Missouri Western State University’s multimedia performance about Walter Cronkite in the competition for a Pulitzer Prize.
In a news release, University President Dr. Robert Vartabedian said two people who knew the legendary newsman entered “Cronkite” in the 2015 competition for the prize. The production premiered last June in the Kemper Recital Hall, adjacent to the award-winning Walter Cronkite Memorial at the university.
“I am humbled that these exceptional individuals, two of whom knew Cronkite personally, felt so strongly about our show that they entered it in the Pulitzer Prize competition,” said Dr. Vartabedian, who conceived and edited “Cronkite.”
“A couple of them have indicated to me that the biggest problem was probably just that there isn’t a good Pulitzer Prize category for a work like this. Although the show did not win, it was a fun and educational process, and I’m extremely grateful for their support of the show.”
“Cronkite” was entered in the competition for a 2015 Pulitzer Prize by Dr. George Diestel, professor emeritus at California State University, Fresno. Co-nominating “Cronkite” were several other drama and journalism professionals, including Walter “Chip” Cronkite III, filmmaker and son of Walter Cronkite, and Dr. Craig Smith, director of the Center for First Amendment Studies at California State University, Long Beach, who worked with Cronkite for several years. Here are some highlights from their remarks about the show:
“…you honored my father’s entire career with the memorial, but with your Pulitzer-nominated drama you focused on that one post-9/11 moment that distilled his faith in the strength of America’s democracy.” – Chip Cronkite
“I was lucky enough to work for and with Walter Cronkite on conventions, election nights, and inaugural coverages. Mr. Korinke gestures just as I remember Mr. Cronkite gesturing. He moves his head in the same way Mr. Cronkite did. The voice is not only uncannily like Mr. Cronkite’s, it catches his humility and empathy for others.” – Dr. Craig Smith
“As a professional and university stage director of forty years, I can testify that this was one of the most memorable dramatic experiences I have ever seen.” – Dr. Edward EmanuEl, professor of theatre arts at California State University, Fresno
“It was the most emotionally touching (it is impossible to watch without tears), informative, and educationally valuable documentary drama I have ever viewed…In the current era of massive change and disarray in every area of human endeavor, this rare drama exemplifies a life lived with core values of what it is to be human amid chaos.” – Dr. Judith Kuipers, chancellor emerita of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and president emerita of Fielding Graduate University
“From the moment ‘Cronkite’ begins … we find ourselves captivated…Creator, director, actor never stoop to tricks or polemics or easy pride. In its quiet honesty, ‘Cronkite’ affirms the best of us.” – Mark Arax, former senior investigative reporter and feature writer for the Los Angeles Times
“‘Cronkite’ will be an on-going dramatic experience of rare acting excellence, dazzling creativity, incredible technical fusion, and of ethical significance for all who attend one of its performances.” – Dr. George Diestel
“Cronkite” is a one-man show adapted from an appearance by the legendary newsman on CNN’s “Larry King Live” in September 2002. In just 24 minutes, the show evokes memories of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and other major events Cronkite covered, including World War II, the Vietnam War and the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The show incorporates audio, video and still photographs to bring those historic events to life.
The part of Cronkite is played by Jim Korinke, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. The show was conceived and edited by Dr. Vartabedian and directed by Dr. Bob Willenbrink, founding dean of Missouri Western’s School of Fine Arts.
“Cronkite” will next be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26 in the Kemper Recital Hall. Shows are free and open to the public, but those wanting to attend are asked to call 816-271-4100 to reserve a seat. In addition to the live showing currently scheduled, performances can be arranged for tour groups and field trips by calling 816-271-4100.
Walter Cronkite was born in St. Joseph on Nov. 4, 1916. The Walter Cronkite Memorial, in the atrium of Spratt Hall on the Missouri Western campus, was dedicated in 2013 on what would have been his 97th birthday. The 5,000 square-foot display features images and videos of Cronkite’s life and the many historic events he covered as a journalist. In 2014, the Missouri Division of Tourism honored Dr. Vartabedian and Missouri Western with the Spotlight Award, which recognizes significant contributions in promoting tourism in Missouri by an individual, business or organization that is not normally considered to be part of the tourism industry. It was also recognized as a “Travel Treasure” by AAA Midwest Traveler magazine.
The Walter Cronkite Memorial is open daily except Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter, and admission is always free. For more information, visit www.waltercronkitememorial.org.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri lawmaker has proposed that the state partner with a private company to make Interstate 70 a toll road.
Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf of St. Joseph told a Senate panel on Tuesday that the plan could help pay for needed repairs and improvements to I-70.
Missouri officials have warned that an impending dip in transportation funding will mean only about a quarter of the state’s roads and bridges will be fully maintained.
Another proposed solution to pay for road repairs stalled last week in the Senate.
That bill would have increased the current 17 cent fuel tax by 2 cents, but it stalled during debate following criticism from conservative Republicans opposed to a tax increase.
Schaaf’s bill needs committee approval before it can be debated by the full Senate.
A rollover crash in Gentry County claimed the life of a Maysville woman.
According to the crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28-year-old Almeda LeMunyon lost control of her SUV along Route-Z east of King City at 7:22pm Tuesday night.
The vehicle left the roadway and overturned several times, ejecting LeMunyon. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
A Rosendale man already serving 12 years for a Buchanan County Child Molestation conviction appeared in Andrew County court this week for circuit court arraignment on nine more counts.
Brian Jay Hoffman is accused of a wide array of deviate sexual behavior with six boys and girls, including his children, step children or their friends, all under the age of 14.
The incidents happened between April of 2009 and March, 2013 according to court documents. The Andrew County case was filed in August of 2014
In a court hearing Monday, Mr Hoffman entered a plea of not guilty to nine counts of 1st Degree Child Molestation. Some of the charges were filed along with alternative charges including statutory sodomy and forcible sodomy.
Judge Weldon Judah scheduled a motion hearing in May, at which time he is expected grant the defendant’s motion for a change of venue. Andrew County Prosecutor Steve Stevenson says that in small counties such as his, state law guarantees the right to a change of venue in criminal cases, provided the application is filed in a timely manner.
Court documents indicate there were nude photographs taken of the children wearing no clothing, and that there were “Craigslist conversations” found in the household with an unknown third party that were sexual in nature and discussed young children.
Mr Hoffman is in custody of the Department of Corrections at the Farmington Correctional Center, serving a 12-year prison sentence for Child Molestation out of Buchanan County. The defendant pleaded guilty to that charge in May of 2013 and was sentenced in July of that year.
Blue Bell Creameries has issued a voluntary recall for all of its products on the market after two samples of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream tested positive for the potentially deadly bacteria listeria.
Blue Bell’s chief executive Paul Kruse says the company “cannot say with certainty” how the bacteria was introduced to its facilities.
Blue Bell’s recall includes ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen snacks distributed in 23 states and international locations.
